The Aeolian Islands are made for boats: seven volcanic islands just a few miles apart, each with its own character. In a week you can see them all without long passages. This is the route we suggest most often, departing from Milazzo or Portorosa.
Day 1: departure and Vulcano
Embarkation in the afternoon, a briefing with the captain and the first crossing to Vulcano, about an hour and a half under power. A stop in the Baia di Ponente, with a sunset swim. Those who wish can climb the Gran Cratere the next morning, before the heat, if the path is open.
Day 2: Lipari
A tour of the island from the sea: the pumice quarries, the white cliffs, the pools of Valle Muria. Afternoon in Lipari harbour for a stroll through the centre and up to the Castle, dinner ashore or on board.
Day 3: Panarea and Basiluzzo
Panarea is the smallest island and the most glamorous. You anchor at Cala Junco, a natural pool among the rocks, then circle the islets of Basiluzzo, Dattilo and Lisca Bianca. In the evening, aperitifs in the village.
Day 4: Stromboli by night
This is the moment everyone remembers. In the afternoon you arrive at Stromboli, swim at Ficogrande, stroll to San Vincenzo. After dinner the boat moves to the Sciara del Fuoco side: in the dark you see the volcano’s explosions. The distances to keep are decided by the captain, according to the ordinances in force and the volcano’s activity.
Day 5: Salina
The green island, with its two mountains and Malvasia vineyards. Pollara, the bay from the film Il Postino, then Lingua and Santa Marina. A winery tasting is a good idea for the afternoon.
Day 6: Filicudi and Alicudi
The most remote and wild. Filicudi has the Bue Marino grotto and the Canna sea stack; Alicudi has no roads and is explored only on foot or by mule. A day of silence before heading back.
Day 7: return
Sailing towards Milazzo or Portorosa, with a last swim on the way. Disembarkation the next morning or in the evening, according to the contract.
The weather is in charge
In the Aeolian Islands the wind can shift quickly. The order of stops is a guide: the captain adapts it every day to find the most sheltered bays. With seven days there is always some margin.
When to go
June and September are the best months: warm water and quiet islands. July and August are busier, especially in Panarea, and it is best to book early. Out of season the Aeolians have a different charm, with many services closed.
Which boat to choose
For families and groups a catamaran is ideal: stable at anchor and with separate cabins. For those who want to move more, a motor yacht lets you take in Alicudi and Stromboli on the same trip without rushing. The boats we recommend are on the yacht charter in the Aeolian Islands page.
What to eat and drink
The Aeolians have simple, flavourful seafood cuisine: catch of the day, Salina capers, cherry tomatoes, pane cunzato. Be sure to try Malvasia delle Lipari, a sweet wine made right on Salina. With a private chef on board the shopping is done at the island markets, and the table follows the route.
If you have less than a week
In three or four days you can do Vulcano, Lipari, Panarea and Stromboli, the islands closest to each other. Filicudi and Alicudi need more time and are best left for a longer trip. With a motor yacht, however, you can include Salina too without rushing.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Aeolian charters depart from?
Usually from Milazzo or Portorosa, about an hour and a half from Catania airport. In some cases you depart directly from Lipari.
Can you climb Stromboli?
Access to the upper paths depends on the ordinances in force and the volcano’s activity, and usually requires an authorised guide. The safest and most striking show is still the one from the boat, in the evening.
Are the Aeolians good with children?
Yes, especially by catamaran: short legs, many bays for swimming and a different island every day. The captain chooses the most sheltered stops.
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